Durga Puja 2018

Durga Puja - our annual grand event for which we wait all year round is here again. You are invited to join us through Oct 19th to Oct 21st at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.

This year, we are having the unique pleasure of giving equal importance to both professional and local programs. We are having two excellent professional performances: Chandrabindoo on Friday Oct 19th evening, and Iman Chakraborty will present a musical program on Oct 21st evening.

Besides these professional musical performances, we have opened up the entire Saturday for local cultural programs from excellent local talents. Please scroll down for details on these performances.

Of course, for those who have visited us before, you know the variety of stalls we have at our mandap. The food is simply irresistible and the shopping experience unparalleled. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Parking

Parking tickets need to be purchased at the Fairgrounds. The per day cost of parking ticket is $10. Puja venue is right across the street and 3-4 minutes walk. Drop off is in-front of Gate - B. Pavilion Hall is merely 200 yards from Gate B Drop-off.

Note: The parking is $10/day on the member and general parking lot. Patrons get free and reserved parking. Vendors and patrons need to use Gate D while entering the venue. The parking permit will be given at the Gate D. Puja venue is 2-3 min walk.

Venue Map

In order to make your pujo experience a smooth one, we have decided to keep all the events - puja pandal, cultural programs, food for patrons, and stall - all in one single location within the Santa Clara Fairgrounds. This will ensure that you do not have to waste time walking between pandals/cultural events/stalls. Here is the map of the Pavilion Hall where all this will take place.

Purchase tickets for Chandrabindoo showWe encourage you to become a member to enjoy this program and all other programs we offer throughout the year. We bring professional artists during Durga Puja and Kali Puja. We also offer a platform for all our members to perform on stage during all our puja events including Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja.However, if you choose to just purchase tickets for this program only, you may buy tickets only for this show.

Iman Chakraborty

Iman Chakraborty is one of Kolkata’s most talented upcoming Rabindrasangeet(Tagore), Folk & Contemporary Bengali singer today. Iman started learning music at a very tender age. Besides Rabindrasangeet she has learned folk songs from different part of India. Iman’s ability to sing all kinds of songs with competence, her great style of singing and stage presence has helped her make a prominent presence in the cultural arena of Bengal. She is regular on television and stage. She has performed widely in different parts of India and also been invited to Bangladesh and Singapore to perform. Her recent original song from the movie "Praktan" is taking Kolkata by storm and soaring all charts. She has made us all very proud by winning the 2017 National Award for Best Playback Singer (Female) for this song. Iman has performed widely in different parts of India; also has been invited to Bangladesh, Singapore USA and Canada.

Purchase tickets for Iman Chakraborty showWe encourage you to become a member to enjoy this program and all other programs we offer throughout the year. We bring professional artists during Durga Puja and Kali Puja. We also offer a platform for all our members to perform on stage during all our puja events including Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja. However, if you choose to just purchase tickets for this program only, you may buy tickets only for this show.

“Chotuskone” Global Echoes - Harmony in Diversity

Team Bay Area Prabasi proudly showcases the cultural harmony in our diversity in the valley. This is our humble attempt to honor the rich cultural heritages we share, being neighbors and citizens in the Bay Area; we open our doors to all communities and celebrate inclusion. The international dance groups, has generously agreed to this collaborative effort. BAP extends our sincere gratitude to them.

Sanjib Bhattacharya, recipient of President’s Awards from Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in 2006 and Smt. Pratibha Patil in 2011 is an accomplished Manipuri Dance Exponent, Guru and well-known Choreographer of India and abroad. He has received his training under the tutelage of Guru Bipin Singh, Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri, Kalavati Devi, Manjushree Chaki Sircar and Mamata Shankar. He is currently an established performer of great repute having extensively performed across India and abroad. He is not only performing as a solo artist, but is also performing with eminent Gurus and Icons of Indian Classical dances like Padmavibhushan Sonal Mansingh, Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri, Padmashri Ranjana Gauhar, Sadanam Balakrishnan and other eminent gurus all over India and abroad. Bay Area Prabasi is thankful to guru Sanjib Bhattacharya for his help and support.

DRAMA: "OJOKAHINI"

After the fasting and anjali prayers are done, Bengali minds have one focus, pathar mangsho/goat meat!! Prabasi Bengalis fall in to a comic conundrum when FDA interferes. Playwright: Sudipta Bhawmik has represented this Bengali's penchant and their quintessential hold on the culture so far from home with humorous tinge that will resonate with our audience. Team Bay Area Prabasi will present a play after 12 years on Prabasi DP stage. Come join in the levity of festivities, yes after dinner!.

Team Bay Area Prabasi presents a weaving of Bengali poetry and songs to stage a very complex topic of - woman spirit! Essence of creation lies in the love of two entities - a woman and a man. As the world turns, evolving change seems to be the only constant. In her journey, a woman seeks her inner essence and defines her identity.

FASHION SHOW: "THE DECADES"

Team Bay Area Prabasi Youth, fascinated with the wheel of fashions and trends, look back and try to connect with the decades of Indian fashion.

TRADITIONAL MUSICAL: "MAHISASURAMARDINI"

Durga, a deity was created by the gods, to annihilate the torture of the demons on the mortals of earth. Sanskrit slokas , powerful chants and melodious songs bring to life the epic tale of this magnificent battle of the victory of "goodness" over "evil." A talented group of musical artists from BAP will present this beloved and well known musical to uphold the traditions of Durga Puja celebrations.